Stuart and Hobart initially hoped Governor Johan van Angelbeek would accept British troops without a fight. Major Agnew carried letters from William of Orange that urged cooperation with British forces. The proposal allowed Britain to frame the landing as protection from French control rather than outright conquest. Ceylon would theoretically be returned to an Orange government after the danger passed. The negotiations failed, and the expedition proceeded as an invasion.
Notable Point · 32:23-33:20
The Orange letters and a failed peaceful occupation
Before attacking, Britain used letters from William of Orange to propose occupying Ceylon against France and eventually returning it to an Orange government.